GPT on Question 16, Sep 18

Naloxone (Narcan) rapidly displaces opioids—such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or morphine—from mu-opioid receptors. This restores the brain’s drive to breathe, often within 2–3 minutes. It does not reverse overdoses caused solely by alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, but it is still appropriate if opioid involvement is possible.

When a bystander should use it

Give naloxone immediately if someone may have used opioids and has signs such as:

• •Cannot be awakened or does not respond to shouting or a firm rub on the breastbone
• •Very slow, irregular, gasping, or absent breathing
• •Blue/gray lips or fingertips
• •Pinpoint pupils
• •Limp body, choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds

Naloxone generally will not harm someone who has not taken opioids, so do not wait for certainty.

What to do

• 1.Call emergency services immediately.
• 2.Give naloxone according to the product instructions—commonly one nasal spray into one nostril.
• 3.Start rescue breathing or CPR if the person is not breathing normally; use an AED if available.
• 4.If there is no response after 2–3 minutes, give another dose, using a new device. Potent opioids such as fentanyl may require several doses.
• 5.Once breathing returns, place the person on their side and stay with them.

Naloxone can wear off in 30–90 minutes, before the opioid does, so breathing may stop again. Medical evaluation is essential even if the person wakes up. They may awaken confused or develop sudden withdrawal—agitation, vomiting, sweating, or pain—but this is less dangerous than untreated respiratory arrest.